The correct official form is Super Bowl, written as two words. The term refers to the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL). Although some people mistakenly write it as one word (e.g., “Superbowl”), that spelling is not used by the league, official broadcasters, or major style guides. In this evergreen explainer, we clarify the standard, provide usage guidance, and note why the two-word form is the accepted and enduring standard in all formal and informal contexts.
Official Name and Standard Usage
The National Football League trademarks the event as “Super Bowl,” capitalizing both words. This is reflected in decades of official event assets, league communications, broadcast graphics, and legal documentation. Style guides such as The Associated Press Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style treat “Super Bowl” as a proper noun requiring two words. Using “Superbowl” as one word is common in informal digital writing, but it does not match the official name and can be flagged as incorrect in editorial, academic, or professional settings.
Historical Context and Naming Origin
The name “Super Bowl” was introduced to provide a distinctive title for the championship game beyond the generic “AFL-NFL World Championship Game” used in early iterations. According to historical accounts, the term was popularized by former AFL Commissioner and later NFL executive Lamar Hunt, who referenced his children’s “Super Ball” toy. The name was formalized well before the event became a global cultural phenomenon, cementing the two-word form as the official standard from the outset.
Common Errors and Digital Misuses
Online and in casual text, “Superbowl” often appears as one word, driven by typing speed, auto-correct, or misremembering. Search trends and social media posts frequently show this variant, but they do not represent the official or recommended usage. Media outlets, official league materials, and reference sources consistently use “Super Bowl”. Recognizing this distinction helps avoid style errors in content intended for publication, education, or professional audiences.
Style and Editorial Guidance
Key Style Recommendations
- Always capitalize both words: “Super Bowl.”
- Do not use the combined form “Superbowl” in formal writing, titles, or headlines unless quoting a source that uses it.
- Treat “Super Bowl” as a proper noun and follow standard noun capitalization rules.
- When referencing the event generically (e.g., “the game”), use lowercase and context rather than a capitalized form.
These practices align with major style guides and ensure consistency across editorial, marketing, and broadcast materials. Adhering to the two-word form supports clarity and professionalism.
Notable Details and Correct Usage Examples
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Official Event Name | Super Bowl | League Trademark and Style Guide |
| Correct Spelling | Two words: Super Bowl | AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style |
| Common Error | Superbowl (one word) | Observed in digital and informal contexts |
| Origin of Name | Named by Lamar Hunt, referencing “Super Ball” | Historical accounts and NFL sources |
| Typical Context | Refers to the NFL championship game each season | General usage and broadcast naming |
Practical Guidance for Writers and Editors
When producing content that references the event, default to “Super Bowl” in all published materials. In headlines and titles, retain both words and capitalize them appropriately; avoid stylized single-word variants unless directly quoting a source. For digital assets, ensure spelling checks and style guides reflect the correct form to maintain brand consistency and credibility. Providing correct usage reinforces authority and trust with audiences who expect precision from official references.
Why the Two-Word Form Persists
The endurance of “Super Bowl” as the standard form is tied to official branding, legal protection, and consistent usage across decades. The NFL and its partners protect the integrity of the name in all commercial and media contexts. As long as the event remains a premier cultural and sporting occasion, the two-word form will continue to be the accepted and authoritative version in both print and digital media.
Super Bowl
Quick Reference Summary
- Correct form: Super Bowl (two words).
- Do not write as “Superbowl” in formal or published content.
- Capitalize both words when used as part of the official name.
- Use lowercase “super bowl” only in generic, non-title contexts if clarity is maintained.
- Follow AP and Chicago style guidance for proper noun treatment.